The 2018 high school football season kicks off Friday in the Bayside Conference, with teams battling for a spot in the Maryland state tournament.

Just one team made the playoffs from the Bayside South in 2017, but with each squad returning solid players while adding talented newbies, several teams have the potential to make some noise this season.

Parkside Rams

The Rams were left on the outside looking in when the playoffs came around last year.

Despite a strong start to the season, Parkside lost critical games to James M. Bennett and Queen Anne’s, eliminating the team from the postseason.

Coming into 2018, the Rams appear to be the squad to beat in the Bayside South, returning a strong group on the defensive side, which includes Jamal Matthews, Marcus Yarns and Brady Smith, who is coming off an injury in 2017.

The group will have to replace its offensive production, which was spearheaded by All-Conference first team players Nayel Oge and Tyler Poulson.

With 20 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards, Oge was one of the Bayside’s best and is now playing at Delaware State. Poulson, a transfer, registered 12 scores and more than 500 receiving yards with Andrew Smith at quarterback.

Parkside will be tested early against North Caroline in Week 2, but with the bulk of the Bayside South rebuilding or still adding weapons, the Rams have the best chance to make the postseason.

Buy Photo

Parkside's Nayel Oge (44) carries the ball during a game against James M. Bennett on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017.(Photo: Staff photo by Ralph Musthaler)

James M. Bennett Clippers

The James M. Bennett Clippers were the sole representative from the Bayside South to make the playoffs in 2017.

But after losing a bulk of starters to graduation, it may be challenging for the Clippers to return to last year’s form.

Bennett is rebuilding after losing major pieces on both sides of the ball. Averaging nearly 30 points a game, the Clippers relied heavily on its offense to win games in 2017. But against Bayside North squads like North Caroline, Kent Island and Queen Anne’s, Bennett struggled to get anything going.

Wicomico Indians

The Indians are the dark horse in the Bayside South, having the potential to surprise a lot of teams with a stacked lineup.

Despite big losses on both sides, Wi-Hi is highlighted by junior Dominic Bailey, who has already compiled countless Division I offers from some of the top football programs in the country.

Buy Photo

Wi-Hi's Jordan Briggs (1) dodges a tackle from North Caroline's Demere Addison (82) during a game at Wicomico County Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017.(Photo: Staff photo by Ralph Musthaler)

All-Conference player Ronnie Satchel is back for his junior season and looks poised for a breakout year. A weapon in the return game as well, the duo of Satchell and Bailey could become one of the best in the Bayside.

Like last year, the Indians start their season with a big match against North Caroline, but if the team can stay healthy and cut down on the penalties, Wi-Hi could compile just enough wins to sneak into the playoffs.

Stephen Decatur Seahawks

Every player admitted it at the annual Bayside Conference Media Day: There’s no replacing All-Conference back Tah’Jeem Woodland, who tore up the field at Stephen Decatur.

Woodland, who accounted for most of Decatur’s offense last season, left for college, leaving question marks in the backfield. Stephen Decatur also lost solid players like Zion Shockley and Sam Todd, who both transferred.

But the Seahawks, led by longtime coach Bob Knox, are confident they still have the tools to compete in the Bayside Conference.

Defense may be the key for Decatur, which struggled to produce points early in the 2017 season. They return a duo of juniors in Zach Hickman and Decameron McAfee to help on the defensive line and pressure the offense.

The unit tallied three shutouts and looked strong early against North Caroline, but mistakes and lack of depth hurt the Seahawks throughout the year.

The team has a decent schedule to begin 2018, but with five straight games against conference power teams starting Sept. 21, Decatur can’t afford to make many mistakes.

Snow Hill Eagles

Snow Hill's Seth Woods (7) catches a pass during a game against Bennett on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017.(Photo: Staff photo by Ralph Musthaler)

The Snow Hill Eagles won their first game in two years last season, downing Washington High School late the season.

But as a new football year kicks off, it appears Snow Hill will see similar results with a tough schedule on the horizon.

The Eagles lost star players A-Monty Allen, Rayshon Baine and Stanyle Coulbourne, who are each playing in college. They return some decent starters, but a lack of depth will be the team’s Achilles heel once again.

Former Nandua and Arcadia assistant Deitrick Downing takes over as head coach, saying he expects his team to compete every game.

But with a Week 1 matchup against Kent Island, it could be a long season for Snow Hill.

Several underclassmen are expected to make the starting lineup, giving a glimpse of hope for future years. However, for 2018, the Eagles will be lucky to get multiple wins.